The selection followed a competitive review of pitches submitted by journalists across print, broadcast, and digital media platforms.

The selected journalists are Melony Ishola, Head of Programmes, PUNCH Videos; Eric Dumo, freelance editor; Juliana Francis, Publisher, SecurityNewsAlert; Samson Ademola, Programme Manager/Associate Editor, DevReporting; Israel Eferobor, Correspondent, News Central TV; Folashade Ogunrinde, Investigative Reporter, Premium Times; Gbenga Salau, Assistant News Editor, Weekend, The Guardian; and Nafiu Atanda, Contributor, Know Your City (KYC) TV.

According to DevReporting’s Team Lead/Editor-in-Chief, Mojeed Alabi, the journalists bring diverse experience across print, broadcast, digital, and investigative journalism, positioning them to deliver impactful and accountability-driven stories.

Reporting Focus

Over a one-month reporting period, the selected journalists will produce in-depth, evidence-based stories across key thematic areas, including Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), climate resilience, evictions, housing gaps, and other systemic urban pressures.

The stories will centre on lived community experiences while integrating ACRC research, data, and analytical insights.

To support quality delivery, the journalists will participate in a one-day capacity development workshop scheduled for Thursday, 5 March 2026, in Lagos.

The workshop will provide research briefings, editorial direction, and practical guidance on translating academic findings into compelling public-interest journalism.

Alabi noted that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between research production and public engagement.

“Urban challenges in Lagos are complex and deeply rooted. By connecting researchers and journalists more intentionally, we aim to produce stories that inform public understanding and stimulate policy reflection,” he said.

About The Initiative

The project is implemented by DevReporting in partnership with the Pro-Poor Development Media Network (PDM-Network), with support from ACRC.

It seeks to strengthen evidence-driven reporting on structural urban issues affecting vulnerable populations in Lagos.

DevReporting is a niche media and cinematic platform focused on development reporting.

The PDM-Network promotes pro-poor consciousness in governance and public policy, with a broader commitment to addressing multidimensional poverty in Nigeria.

The African Cities Research Consortium, ACRC, led by the University of Manchester, is a research partnership working to improve living standards in fast-growing African cities through action-oriented and politically informed research.

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